Sillverton Industries Drives Next Phase of Growth With PM5

In an exclusive interaction with Paper Mart, Mr. Akshay Jain, Managing Director, Sillverton Industries Limited, shared his vision of strengthening India’s reputation in global paper markets while positioning Sillverton as one of India’s leading paper companies. The company is focusing on specialty grades such as C1S, C2S, CCK (Clay Coated Kraft), SCK (Super Calendered Kraft), and OGR (Oil & Grease Resistant) papers segments and with the upcoming PM5, Sillverton Industries aims to enter the next phase of growth, reinforcing its presence in both domestic and international markets.

Paper Mart: Please tell us about your participation here at Paperex 2025.

Akshay Jain: We have been participating in Paperex for many years, and our primary objective has always been creating a network rather than sales of our products. Our focus is on building meaningful relationships with industry professionals who visit the exhibition from across the world. We are sincerely thankful to the organizers for creating such a valuable platform. While the participation does not impact us directly, the face value we create here serves us in the long term. Platforms like Paperex give us the opportunity to showcase our complete capabilities: our product basket, technical expertise, infrastructure strength, financial stability, and the scale of orders we can execute.

PM: Congratulations on your upcoming PM5. Can you please tell us how it will help in the growth of the company?

AJ: PM5 will play a crucial role in driving our company’s next phase of growth. Even though the machine is yet to be commissioned, the awareness and the industry buzz around PM5 through word-of-mouth and sustained publicity, is generating interest and confidence among customers. We are confident that PM5 will enable us to deliver one of the best products in the Indian paper industry, strengthening our market presence and long-term growth globally.

Watch: Top Paper Companies 2023

PM: The company has recently come up with an IPO. How does it accelerate your growth?

AJ: Whenever a company goes for an IPO, the objective is not just capital raising, but to strengthen the organization financially, enhance transparency, and add more people to management. Our decision to enter the capital market is driven by this very philosophy. While we have already achieved a significant level of growth, moving beyond this point requires market support. An IPO will help us introduce higher standards of professionalism in our system, clarity, and transparency, enabling sustainable growth in the next phase of the company’s journey.

PM: What is your vision for Sillverton Industries?

AJ: My vision for Sillverton Industries is simple yet ambitious. The world is a vast place with many large producers, but wherever we operate, people should recognize us. We must occupy a dignified space in the industry. My first goal is to make Sillverton Industries one of India’s best paper companies. Another important goal is to strengthen India’s reputation in global exports. Early in my career, when I traveled to Europe or any other countries, Indian paper was considered inferior which was deeply hurting. I resolve to change this perception. So, whenever we export, it is not just as a Sillverton’s product, but as an Indian product that meets the highest global standards. Compromising on quality is not an option. I do not worry about the cost involved in exports; my priority is that the products carrying India’s name must never fall short in quality. This is my motto and my personal mission—to take Sillverton Industries to greater heights while contributing positively to India’s standing in the global paper industry. I consistently strive to realize this vision.

PM: What role does technology or mill upgradation play in realizing your vision of globally competitive Made-in-India products?

AJ: Earlier, India’s access to advanced paper-making technology was limited. Today, however, the landscape has changed with new technology coming up, and international equipment manufacturers entering the Indian market. While these technologies are expensive and challenging to adopt, given the current scenario in the paper industry and increasing price pressures, we are finding practical ways to bridge the gap. In recent times, due to the economic slowdown in Europe, several high-quality machines have become available, allowing us to bring better technology into India at viable costs. I am confident that in the coming years, with increased access to advanced technology and strong manufacturing expertise, India will emerge as a global leader in the paper industry.

PM: How do you see the packaging paper market in India, its latest trends and opportunities for the paper industry?

AJ: Packaging is something nobody can avoid in daily life. Whatever we buy is packaged in some form—either in plastic or paper. However, when sustainability comes into focus, paper takes precedence over plastic. Today, technology has advanced to a point where we can produce paper that can also withstand weather conditions. With population growth and rising spending levels, packaging demand is increasing, and currently we are seeing growth of around 10–12 percent, although there are some challenges to it as well.

With more mills coming into the market, the overcapacity is putting pressure on paper prices. This limits the industry’s ability to invest in large-scale, and advanced technologies. However, that is a separate issue. Packaging standards are also evolving. Post-COVID, especially with the rise of e-commerce, expectations around packaging quality have increased significantly. The definition of packaging is changing every day.

Today, customers are talking about odor-free paper. At Sillverton, we are able to offer absolutely odour-free paper, along with high-strength paper and standard corrugation grades on a regular basis. With our new machine PM 5, we are also planning to manufacture specialty packaging grades for pouch and food packaging. Overall, we are very optimistic and ready to serve the upcoming demands of the packaging industry.

PM: What are the current challenges you face in the paper industry?

AJ: The biggest challenge we are currently facing is the threat from imports. Companies based outside India, particularly Vietnam and China, are selling pulp at higher prices while exporting finished paper at very low prices. Those companies have access to resources at very low costs. They own forests, and are sitting on coal mines, resulting in lower production cost compared to India. Our government is indirectly supporting such imports through free trade agreements. We are continuously engaging with the government, requesting that these agreements be reconsidered and appropriate import duties be imposed to protect domestic manufacturers. If the objective is truly to strengthen Indian industry, then unchecked imports must be controlled. This is the need of the hour. If we do not act now, it may become too late for the Indian paper manufacturers.

PM: How do you foresee the future of the paper industry?

AJ: The future is always bright. The paper industry, by nature, is a capital-intensive industry with high entry barriers, especially in segments like specialty papers and writing & printing papers. These barriers are not just financial, but also related to knowledge, experience, and technology.

One of the major challenges we face today is the lack of skilled manpower and innovation in the field, because as an industry, we are unable to offer competitive compensation. All these capabilities can be factored in only when we get a reasonable price of paper.

Despite these challenges, the industry and our company Sillverton Industries is growing. We are working differently from others by focusing on maximizing resource utilization, and using the most cost-effective raw materials, while delivering high-quality paper. We are developing products such as C1S, C2S, CCK (Clay Coated Kraft), SCK (Super Calendered Kraft), and OGR (Oil & Grease Resistant) paper grades that are produced by very few manufacturers and have limited production levels.

So, all in all, I am very optimistic for Sillverton Industries. Once PM5 establishes itself in the market, we will evaluate our next venture. It could be tissue paper, folding box board, or another emerging segment, depending upon the market dynamics. With the dedication of the entire Sillverton team, and the support of our well-wishers, I am extremely positive about the future.

Also Read: Bindals Papers Prioritizing Sustainability While Enhancing Operational Efficiency

PM: What is one guidance or insight that you would like to share with the industry peers?

AJ: This is a challenging time for the industry. What I strongly feel and consistently guide my younger colleagues in sales is that we should not sell in panic. Paper can only be manufactured by paper mills; no other industry can replace us. So, when traders come up with a different mindset and counter prices that may not be fair, the young professionals should pause, and evaluate the situation, verifying facts, and then making informed decisions. This discipline is extremely important, otherwise we will pull the prices down the entire industry. This is my advice to young professionals in the industry. At the same time, I remain open to guidance and suggestions from my seniors, as continuous learning is essential to improve both decision-making and overall performance.